Bring on 2014

I'm in a unique spot in that Christmas, my birthday and New Year's all fall within about a week.

For me, that means the end of the year is about time spent with family, appreciating what really matters and looking forward to the year ahead.  

I've been thinking hard for the past week or so about what I want 2014 to look like. 

In the past, I haven't really been much into New Years' Resolutions. 

Honestly, I completely lack the self-control to stick with them.

But I've gotten to the age (I'm 27 now, doesn't that sound like an adult age?) where I'm beginning to value personal growth more and more. 

So with growth and betterment in mind, I've finally decided on four resolutions this year:

- Be more social: This one's been on my mind a lot lately. I am not naturally a social person. I am very much a bookworm. But too often I make that a crutch, and make excuses instead of growing as a social person. To be clear, I'm not trying to become a social butterfly. That's just not my personality. But I'm missing quality time with good people because I'm too afraid or lazy to get out there. 

- Focus on health: 2013 was a year of big milestones for me--good and bad. I hit my highest weight yet, but that was enough to get my butt into gear. While 2013 was about getting back into a positive direction, especially when it came to what I eat, I envision 2014 as a year I take it a step further and really focus on health. For instance, I want to focus on whole foods and nutrition--not just a maximum amount of calories a day. I also rediscovered my love of running late in 2013, and I hope to make that more of a constant in my life.

-Be more frugal: I spend too much money. On stupid things. Things I don't need. 

And the biggie:

-Be more present: So often I catch myself going through the motions, just getting through the day. Or spending time with friends but really thinking about that deadline at work. There are a million different examples I can think of. So just how do I go about being more present? 

No idea. Stay tunned. I'm working on that one.

Regardless of  whether I meet all my goals or blow them all by next week, I'm looking forward to the next year, especially with you, dear readers!

I hope I'm wrong.

Just a few weeks ago I was talking about how much I love Biggest Loser.

I talked about how genuine and heartfelt it was. 

But tonight's episode has me questioning things. 

I was telling my boyfriend at dinner tonight just how proud I was of the show for sticking to its guns. 

When the "star" of this season, Ruben Studdard, was voted off last week, I was proud that they stayed true to the process. 

But low and behold, this week Jillian gets "penalized" and Ruben gets his ticket back on the show. 

Really? In 15 seasons this has never happened. A trainer has never been penalized, and no one has gotten to come back on the ranch to right some sort of alleged wrong. 

I call bullshit. I hope I'm wrong. 

Beginners tips for your first 5K

Sunday I ran my first 5K!!

Me, at the beginning of the race, wondering what the frick I had gotten myself in to. 

I had such a great time, and can't wait for my next one! No, really. I was petrified before and maybe even a bit during, but it was such a great experience. 

I thought it might be helpful for me to pass along some of the things I've learned so far. For a newbie, your first race, surrounded by hundreds of serious athletes, can be pretty intimidating. 

Here's what I've learned so far. 

Go with an established race for your first. I went on a longtime race in my hometown for my inaugural outing. You're going to be nervous in general for your first race. Being surrounded by people who know what they're doing and running in a race organized by people who've done it before really takes the edge off. When you know where to be, where to go, and the path to follow, you can focus on just the run, not the other logistics. 

Get your playlist ready. I find in general that music really puts me in the zone. Having a playlist ready to go not only gets you going, but it also works as a great reminder of the time you've spent training. Hearing some of the same tunes reminds you that you can totally handle it. 

While we're talking about training... Do it. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. I started training late in the summer, and felt really good about my progress. I had been using an elliptical to start out, then I decided to try a quick run on pavement. And it was horrible. I felt so terrible about how I did and thought I for sure was a failure. So if I was already a failure, what was the point in trying? I still trained on and off, but without the confidence or conviction. If I had just given myself a break, I would have been much better prepared. 

. . . But don't worry about being at your best. For you first race, your goal should be to finish. That's it. After your first, you'll have a better idea of your weaknesses and strengths. You'll also have the confidence boost of knowing you can finish. 

Walking is ok. I went in to the race thinking I ought to run the whole thing. At my fitness level, that wasn't realistic for me. But the great thing was it didn't matter that I was running. People on the sidelines were just as encouraging, and the hard-core runners weren't snooty either. As long as you move to a side to stay out of runners' way, you're set. 

Get there early. Like, earlier than you think you need. I got there 30 minutes before my race and was apparently late. Get there with a 45-minute to an hour gap. That will give you time to find where the starting line is, get comfortable with surroundings and warm up. 

Keep it light. Like I said, I was late, and couldn't find the bag check before the race. No biggie, I thought.  I had a small drawstring bag that was pretty light. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal. But running has a way of making small inconveniences huge annoyances. If it hadn't had my car keys and wallet inside, I would've tossed that thing after mile 1. It slid all over the place and was a huge distraction. If your race doesn't have a bag check, leave everything you can in the car. Trust me. 

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:

Enjoy yourself! 5K's are about fun. If you aren't having fun, you're not going to stick with it.

So, my regular-running-readers, what other advice would you give? Tell me in the comments!

Oh, an there was totally a bald eagle at the finish line. Because nothing says running like.... an eagle? Still awesome though 

Biggest Loser: Season 15!

It is ridiculous how much I love this show.
Reality TV is not my think.
TV in general is not my thing.

But I seriously look forward to Biggest Loser every year. 

Because it's more than TV. 

It's an inspiration. It's about more than just ratings. It's about bettering your life. 

And I plan on doing just that. 

It's very fitting that this season is about second chances.
Last year I pledged to ** to a more healthy lifestyle.
And I've mostly done that, though not with the fervor I had originally had when I was watching the show (and keeping myself accountable on another blog).
I'm taking this as an opportunity at a second chance of really changing my life.
Last year, when I was eating better, drinking more water and exercising consistently, I felt better. I got more out of life.
But then life gets in the way. Deadlines take precedence.
Working out seems irresponsible when my house is a mess.
I'm still eating much better than I was in the past (though I should be honest, this morning I had a donut for breakfast--so I'm not exactly doing the best either).
But it's time to kick it up a notch.
And Biggest Loser is just the right way to get back on track!